Road pricing strategy needed, say UK forwarders as toll hikes loom

THE trade association for UK freight forwarders says the time is ripe to agree on a long-term strategy for funding the nation's road network.

The call, from the British International Freight Association (BIFA), was made on the eve of the introduction of toll charge increases for using the Dartford Crossing, and news that a parliamentary bill will be introduced to implement a charge for foreign trucks using UK roads.

Starting next month, cash payments for heavy goods vehicles using the Dartford crossing will be increased from GBP3.70 (US$6) to GBP5, then a second rise to GBP6 in October 2014, the association said in a press release.

"There has already been considerable opposition to the increases planned for the Dartford Crossing and in view of the increased costs to our members who regularly use the crossing; BIFA has great sympathy with these views," said Peter Quantrill, director general of the British International Freight Association (BIFA).

"On the proposed road user charging scheme for foreign lorries, BIFA agrees with the principle that all haulage companies that use UK roads should contribute to the cost of the maintenance and development, regardless of the companies' origins," Mr Quantrill said.

"Haulage companies with trucks registered in the UK already do that of course through Excise Duty on Fuel and Road Fund Licences. We anticipate that there will be provisions in the draft legislation that ensure UK hauliers will be will be no worse off.

"At first sight, this looks like a positive development, especially for the road haulage industry. But it is a complicated issue and we will need to look into the details once the draft legislation is published," he said.

BIFA says that the lead from the EU is clear. In broad terms the European Commission's two main tenants are that the polluter pays and the road user pays.

Said Mr Quantrill: "Both items of news emphasise the need to properly address the issue of finding a long-term viable solution to our transport needs. In short, how should the road network be funded, and by whom